What's the BEST Way to Care for A Bouquet of Fresh Flowers?

Sending or receiving fresh cut flowers is such a meaningful experience for both the sender and the recipient.  Since they are so special, we want them to last as long as possible! 

Her are some secrets:

• Choose flowers that aren't fully developed yet - why?  The will continue to open over time
• Look for petals that are firm and mark free
• Stems and leaves should be green
• Feed your flowers with the solution that accompanies your bouquet.
• Read the instructions and mix the solution properly.  A solution that is too potent can irritate the flowers
• Cust the stems at an angle with a knife - This ensures a clear stem for water passage
• When filling the vase with water and plant food, make sure leaves aren't kept under water as they can break down and grow bacteria
• Keep flowers away from drafts or extreme heat
• Tropical flowers might have different needs.  Check the directions included with the bouquet

Most of all enjoy one of earth's finest pleasures!

"Some flowers spoke with strong and powerful voices, which proclaimed in accents trumpet-tongued,"I am beautiful, and I rule". Others murmured in tones
scarcely audible, but exquisetly soft and sweet, "I am little, and I am beloved"."
-- George Sand (Armandine A.L. Dupin), (1804 - 1876) French writer

I've been working on some mounted original art pieces for The Happy Flowers shop... these two little flowers will be available on opening day! Both are illustrated by hand using waterproof Micron ink pens and Prismacolor markers on a smooth Bristol paper. They are then mounted to a hand painted black wood backing. Ready to hang!

Bring me sunshine

The only sunny thing I saw today.

28 August 2008, originally uploaded by Chalkhills Collective.

Purple Flower

Originally uploaded by bead4you

This bead is pretty simple once you get pretty good at placing the dots where you want them to go. 3 dots slightly flat and then I cut into them with a paring knife.

Lets review her transformation shall we?

[caption id="attachment_155" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="My frilly yellow skirt"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_156" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="I am changing colors"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_157" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="notice the curly tenticals off the skirt.. I just love brugs"][/caption]

to make yourself look beautiful is not a crime at all. *steal* them here! and not to worry, because we gave you a keys to escape when you got caught! perfect? :P

item code: AER08-14
RM 21 each pair

item code: ABR08-05
RM 23 each

I have come to believe that there are infinite passageways out of the shadows, infinite vehicles to transport us into the light.
Martha Beck

I find this variety of hibiscus very interesting and beautiful…

2008 D L Ennis, All rights reserved.

NOTE: Permission for the use of my images is granted for personal websites and blogs but is to include a link back to this site and proper credit given to me, D L Ennis. Link to be used...(Visual Thoughts http://dlennis.wordpress.com/)

NOTE: Commercial use, and the creation of prints, must be purchased! For more information you can contact me here.

Focal 300mm / F5.6
1/80s / +0.0EV / iso 400

Exif: Canon EOS 30D, Shutter Speed:1/125, Apreture:F/5, ISO:500 @ 70mm

Exif: Canon EOS 30D, Shutter Speed:1/60, Apreture:F/4.5, ISO:800 @ 57mm

Exif: Canon EOS 30D, Shutter Speed:1/100, Apreture:F/5, ISO:800 @ 40mm

Exif: Canon EOS 30D, Shutter Speed:1/160, Apreture:F/8, ISO:800 @ 70mm

Exif: Canon EOS 30D, Shutter Speed:1/100, Apreture:F/4.5, ISO:400 @ 70mm

Exif: Canon EOS 30D, Shutter Speed:1/100, Apreture:F/6.3, ISO:400 @ 17mm

Exif: Canon EOS 30D, Shutter Speed:1/80, Apreture:F/6.3, ISO:800 @ 57mm

Exif: Canon EOS 30D, Shutter Speed:1/100, Apreture:F/4, ISO:400 @ 17mm

Contemporary FINE ART Original PAINTING,acrylics on 100% cotton stretched wrapped canvas.Size: 60x80 x1,7 cm.(23,62x31,5 x0,67 in inches)Handpainted.

Original, not print. Painting is signed in front and at the back. Dated.
The sides are painted, so there's no need to frame it.

I use a gloss varnish to add shine and to protect the painting from harmful UV rays and dust.

I am Member - EBSQ art association .
Each of Nataera's paintings comes with a COA (Certificate Of Authenticity). The COA lists the title, medium, size, and other useful information. Each painting has an identification number associated with it which also appears on the COA. Finally, the COA is signed and dated by the artist-Nataera. The COA is your assurance that the artwork is a one of a kind original created by Nataera.

Shipping via post-office is 50 $ (7 days to arrive).
I do and i have Shipping insurance for it.
I pack all my paintings with great care.
Tracking number - automatically provided by www.laposte.fr/colissimo
If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me and I will get back to you promptly.

YOU CAN SEE MORE MY PAINTINGS AND BUY IT ON ETSY SHOP:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14532453

Contemporary FINE ART Original PAINTING,acrylics on 100% cotton stretched wrapped canvas.Size: 60x80 x1,7 cm.(23,62x31,5 x0,67 in inches)Handpainted.

Original, not print. Painting is signed in front and at the back. Dated.
The sides are painted, so there's no need to frame it.

I use a gloss varnish to add shine and to protect the painting from harmful UV rays and dust.

I am Member - EBSQ art association .
Each of Nataera's paintings comes with a COA (Certificate Of Authenticity). The COA lists the title, medium, size, and other useful information. Each painting has an identification number associated with it which also appears on the COA. Finally, the COA is signed and dated by the artist-Nataera. The COA is your assurance that the artwork is a one of a kind original created by Nataera.

Shipping via post-office is 50 $ (7 days to arrive).
I do and i have Shipping insurance for it.
I pack all my paintings with great care.
Tracking number - automatically provided by www.laposte.fr/colissimo
If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me and I will get back to you promptly.

YOU CAN SEE MORE MY PÄINTINGS AND BUY IT ON ETSY SHOP: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14594930

I joined the crazyaboutpincushions yahoo group and dove right in with my first exchange.  The exchange was an anything goes pincushion and stick pin exchange.  I decided to convert a metal candle holder into a one of a kind pin cushion using scrap fabrics, trims and lace.   You can see that I decorated the bottom of the candle holder base with beaded fringe and lace heart trim.

The pincushion is a ball shape. The bird's nest is made from a tea-stained tulle and strings of faux pearls.  I surrounded the nest with lace and flowers. The bird is a simple pattern.  I made the bird a needle sharpener by filling it with emery grain.  The feathers on the bird are real.  I used a feathered ribbon for his wings and tail.

The stick pin was actually a vintage pin with a glass top. I added a spring cup to accent the glass and a pretty metal bead cap to create a flower.

 I never know what to expect on my first exchange with a group.  I know my exchange partner is new to the group as well.  I hope she likes her new pincushion.